Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's generally recommended to replace them. This could be due to things like having trouble turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main security for your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll be sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and no screw heads exposed on the outside to avoid unintentional drilling. To enhance security, the inner side of your deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If it doesn't, use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate and then re-install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks have an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it is always best to consult an expert in hardware if you are unsure what backset size you require for your doors. They will be able to direct you towards models that will work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the right length, you can screw it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a faceplate for the latch, screw it into place and secure it, too. It's a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame using the screws recommended by experts, and also.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you're given the option that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to attach the latch faceplate. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select the lock that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It's usually held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. It's important that you replace a door latch with the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can test this by putting the latch up to your existing hardware or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit properly.
Some doors feature an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which can be placed over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door by nail. When the door is shut the strap will pull the staple down and locks it in the frame. Commercial buildings use a hasp as it is cheaper than a lock.
Locks wear out over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will be damaged and it is important to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray some on the key or sprinkle it onto the inside of the lock, and then move the lock several times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob and reveal the inside components and allow you to observe what's happening inside.
After removing the knobs and tightening the three or two setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back of the case, which must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is affixed to the holes for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a high-quality strike plate can also enhance the life of locks.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat plate of metal with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate is precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door is able to close and latch correctly. upvc door lock replacements repairmywindowsanddoors to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been cut out it is crucial to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never had them before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This could help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that takes a particular key to move pins into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The cylinder is the most important part of your door lock since it serves the purpose for which locks were designed to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. This is the reason that many people choose to have their locks rekeyed rather than replaced.
It is more difficult to replace a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combination) and putting a brand new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's best to contact a locksmith to ensure the work is done correctly.
Before installing an entirely new lock and cylinder, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A duplicate key will not work properly and could cause the lock's failure and make it impossible for you to open. A trained professional can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and then the latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws that secure them. If the new plates will be identical to the original ones, you may want to keep them in place to speed up the process. If you must replace them, be careful not to tighten the screws too much since this can weaken their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is important to know the door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available can be used today to fit a standard door thickness, it's better to purchase them ahead of time. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets can differ in size from deadbolt locksets. Commercial models can have an enlarged bolt or latch.